Cataract surgery
- Most surgeries are carried out under local anesthesia. An anesthetic eye drop is instilled before the operation, thus completely neutralizing the sensation of pain. In rare cases and when this is necessary, or the patient’s wish can be performed under anesthesia.
- After opening the cornea (2.2 mm incision which does not require suturing at the end of the operation) the nucleus and cortex of the lens are emulsified and removed.
- Then takes place the insertion of the artificial folded intraocular lens (made of acrylic) in the capsular bag in place of the removed blurry lens. The artificial intraocular lens should replace the lens that has been removed in terms of eye refraction. A preoperative calculation of the refractive power of the new lens by measuring the curvature of the cornea as well as the length of the eyeball by ultrasound or laser device is necessary.
- These two measurements provide the option of an accurate choice of the intraocular. This can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism as well.
Prognosis
Cataract is a progressive disease that causes a gradual deterioration in vision. Through the operation a complete restoration can be achieved. Modern lenses have proven to be particularly safe and effective for many years. Inflammations are extremely rare as is the exchange of the intraocular lens. In 10-15% occurs 6 months up to 5 years after the operation the so-called secondary cataract which constitutes a blurring of the posterior capsule, usually causes a slight decrease in vision and is treated without surgery, within a few minutes using a YAG-LASER device.